Amid the rising coronavirus disease 1019 (Covid-19) infections in the National Capital Region (NCR), the city government of Manila has prohibited all physical activities related to the upcoming celebration of the Sto. Niño Fiesta in Tondo and Pandacan.

Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso said during a press conference on Thursday the same prohibition done during the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo will also be applied for the upcoming Sto. Niño fiesta, which is considered second to the largest religious feast in the city.

Domagoso signed Executive Order (EO) No. 04 that prohibits religious processions, street parties, stage shows, parades, palarong kalye or street games, ati-atihan and the likes, and other forms of public gatherings during the feast of Santo Niño de Tondo and Santo Niño de Pandacan held every third Sunday of January.

He said the decision to prohibit all physical activities and mass gatherings during the event is needed as part of the city’s action in curbing the spread of the Covid-19.

Domagoso said just like in Quiapo Church, all physical masses at the Archdiocesan Shrine of Sto. Niño de Tondo and at the Sto. Niño Parish in Pandacan are also suspended.

He advised Sto. Nino devotees to just attend online masses of the said churches

Meanwhile, Domagoso said under EO 04, a liquor ban will also be imposed during the religious event in Tondo and Pandacan.

“Walang inuman, me liquor ban sa araw na yon at wala ring papayagang magtinda ng mga alak. Binabalaan natin, pinapaalalahan natin lahat ng magtitinda ng alak sa araw na yun, babawiin ng Lungsod ng Maynila ang pribiliheyo ninyong magtinda (Drinking of liquor is prohibited we have a liquor ban on that day and nobody will be allowed to sell liquor. We warn establishment owners that will try to sell liquors that day, the city government will revoke your business permit),” Domagoso said. (PNA)